special kind of hell

[MrRandom]

It's a special kind of hell when you've been asleep and wake up feeling like complete crap and have a machine sitting by your bed, unused, that could fix the problem yet you cannot use it because otherwise you toss and turn all night due to dried out inflamed eyes.

Even more frustrating is that since I can't use it, eventually I have to give it back as my insurance won't pay for it to sit there. I'm currently out of money and credit and can do little more than wait, by then too late.

I cried in the night. It was pitiful. I don't cry.

[Claire]

Hi, I've been reading your posts in the past--so many problems --but didn't have anything to add to what other people are saying...then it occurred to me that eye patches might work?

You're having air leaking into the corner of your eyes. I also had this with a nasal mask, but switched to nasal pillows so I don't have the problem anymore.

I know those eye leaks were very annoying and very frustrating.

Maybe, if you could just keep the air from hitting your eyes/eyelids?

[MrRandom]

Seems like I've tried everything. Patches, tape, bandaids, sleep masks, nasal pillow masks, drops, ointments, etc. I even have silicone punctal plugs in my lower lids. I suppose I could get them in my upper lids, but have to wait for insurance coverage. I'm just very tired in a really bad mood right now

[ozij]

I'm just writing so you know that I hear you, and I can imagin how hard it must be. No wonder you're in a bad mood.

O.

[MrRandom]

Thanks O. Not really looking for any suggestions at this point, just some support. I really want to sleep with my CPAP. So frustrating.

[Twilightcat]

Dear Mr. Random.
I would like to say thank you for your thoughtfulness in responding to my question, when you have concerns of your own. I hope that all will go well with you. Thank you, Twilightcat

[SleepIsHell]

Have you tried getting a cloth strip, and wrapping your eyes with them?

Also, try getting a differnet mask. I use an Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask, and I don't have problems with dry eyes.

I feel for you. I understand the frustration of Sleep Apnea. Try using a cloth strip, and see if that doesn't help, and let us know.

[pjwalman]

I know you've tried just about everything, MrRandom, but since you've got the punctal plugs in place and nothing made of cloth has kept the air out of your eyes, what about a good, comfortable pair of swim goggles, not like a diving mask but the kind that basically just circle your eye sockets. I mean, if they can seal out water, I would think they could seal out any speck of air. The thing I wonder about, though, is whether having all air away from your eyes is a good thing, so there may be implications from wearing them *all* the time, but it at least might be a valid experiment for one night to see if the punctal plugs are working to keep the air from coming in through the tear ducts. Feel like I should add the typical TV commercial disclaimer, though: Before attempting our program, be sure to consult with your physician first. Just a thought for an experiment night maybe.

If nothing else, at least you know many people have read your posts, know your plight, and have great sympathy for the hell you are going through. Seems like there has got to be an answer somewhere amongst all these brilliant people.

Take care!

Peggy

[MrRandom]

LoL, your mind thinks just like mine, Peggy. I did try swim goggles early on. They are extremely uncomfortable to wear to bed because they suction onto the eyes. They don't easily fit around the masks either. It is a good idea, tho not too practical.

[pjwalman]

Dang!! Then I'm all out of ideas.

I'm very sorry you have to choose between irritated eyes and breathing at night, MrRandom! Myself, I think I'd pick the breathing easier at this point, 'cause I can't even take a nap without the air anymore, but it's not like eyes are replaceable. It's a terrible dilemma to be in! Not that it'll help in the least, but I'm sending you a cyber hug.

Peggy

[MrRandom]

Yeah that's what I thought too Peggy. But I just end up tossing and turning all night because the dried out eyes are painful and generally very uncomfortable. So either way I don't get any sleep

[GoodnightHoser]

Just a message of support. You are not the only one who has cried in the night over struggles with sleep apnea. About two weeks into it I had myself a BIG ol' pity party, sobbing my frustrations to a sympathetic but bewildered husband. Got my poor nose all stuffed up, put the darn pillows in my nose and proceeded to nearly suffocate myself. Had to get a sudafed and go sleep in the guest room 'til I got myself calmed down. I told myself that BAD sleep is better than NO sleep which is what I'd been having since I started treatment. But I am struggling along with MUCH help and comfort from this website. Hang in there!

[Catnapper]

Hi MrRandom,

I am sorry to hear things are not better for you. I am right there with you with the dry eyes vs CPAP choice. The only difference for me is that I chose CPAP almost 2 years ago and am still dealing with the dry eyes struggle. I am so tired of feeling like I have shampoo and sand in my eyes. I was hoping the plugs would work for you.

My eye doctor suggested (to my horror) having the tear ducts cauterized. Idon't know if I can go there.

I hope you find a solution. If I do, I will let you know.

Best wishes,
Catnapper - Joanie

[MrRandom]

I definitely relate, Joanie I would not let anyone burn the tear ducts shut. I thought the plugs were not so great idea. It's messing with nature. Then so is blowing air down our throats all night. It seems like it's just piling one problem on top of another. I wish there were a simpler way to deal with apnea. I think I might ask the sleep doctor about the dental devices. I'm sorta out of money tho and have no dental insurance. But since it's to treat another medical problem maybe they'll cover it, I dunno.

[kteague]

MrRandom,

I have to commend you on all your efforts to make this work. You may have already tried this too, but I'm wondering if your special needs would be a candidate for the mask that is an oral mouthpiece - I think it's called the Oracle.

Wish I had more to offer, but I feel for you.

Kathy